Chicago Says No More | Blog Archive

September 20, 2016

SOMETHING WORTH FIGHTING FOR

By Mary MacLaren Duty, honor, country. This, we’ll defend.” “Not for self, but country.” “Aim high…Fly, fight and win!” U.S. Armed Forces slogans These lofty goals embodying long-standing traditions of the U.S. armed forces are words I live by—especially “Aim high,” which I now bring to my role as chair of the Workplace EAP Task Force for Chicago Says No More. As an officer for 23 years and a colonel in the Air Force for six, I know about the challenges experienced by women in the military. In 1985, I had just graduated from the National War College (NWC). My new boss, also an NWC grad,...

September 13, 2016

WHY COULDN’T SHE JUST LEAVE?

BY PAT DAVENPORT Yesterday, I heard it again. It was a domestic violence case and the victim was describing what had happened to her. The judge asked the victim’s lawyer, “What did she do that caused him to do that to her?” Whatever happened no one should touch another human being like that, I thought. Abuse is not accidental, but planned and chronic. If you have not been exposed to it, you may find it difficult to understand. Unfortunately, the judge’s question was not unusual. Victim-blaming is common. Yes, prosecutors still say, “Oh, you know, they’re drunk. They’re asking for it.” We treat animals better...

September 7, 2016

THE 3 THINGS SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS NEED TO HEAR

By Alderman Matt O’Shea “I believe you. It’s not your fault. You are not alone.” Annie E. Clark on what to say to a victim of sexual assault. The beginning of the school year is always full of promise—and challenges for students, and parents. This year is different for me in an important way. This year I am part of a movement to build awareness of the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses. To encourage families to talk about the dangers for young men and women starting their adult lives, whether or not they are going away to school. Last winter, Kristie Paskvan, founder...